2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn
- 54owner reports
- 52,000median miles
- $2,300median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report May 25, 2026 · checked Sep 29, 2026
345 of the 1,788 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 54 of those describe steering noise.
Tick what matches of 54 reports
Steering noise on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Owners in this group hear a click, pop, clunk, grind or squeal when they turn the steering wheel. Some say it started within weeks of buying the car. Others describe a knock that comes with a stiff or sticky wheel.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (33 reports), the column or coupler (5 reports) and the CV axle or joint (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2015 model year as of Sep 29, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Explorer
Electric power steering failure. Closed jun 12, 2014, led to recall 14V-286.
Vehicle rollaway allegations. Closed aug 19, 2009.
Steering knuckle separations. Closed oct 29, 1999.
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
What owners paid
11 of the 54 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,100 to $3,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 40,000 and 81,518 miles, from the 40 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2015 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
What owners wrote
“My Ford Explorer has less than 97,000 miles on it and im experiencing popping noises and slight play in steering. upon inspecting the tie-rod I found that the rack and pinion had play in it. the vehicle hasn't been wrecked so there's no reason I should be losing my steering rack under 100k miles.”
Filed May 25, 2026 · 97,000 miles
“EPS unit started clunking loudly when turning right in a parking lot. Replaced by a mechanic and clunking no longer present.”
Filed Mar 23, 2023
“Explorer has approximately 69k miles. Rack and pinion has to be replaced. Rubbing sound when wheel is turned and steering wheel 'sticks' when turned. Power steering power is also affected. Not under warranty. Checked by independent repair shop.”
Filed Oct 27, 2021 · 69,000 miles
“The rack and pinion is bad and grinds when turning. Yes vehicle is available for inspection if needed. no warning lamped have shown up to date other than major grinding when turning.”
Filed Oct 6, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 54 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 209 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 203 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 195 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 146 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 109 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 84 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 83 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 58 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 53 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 49 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 35 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 29 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports